Chapter 54: Getting Along

Yamahiko spent the afternoon training with Suì-Fēng. He was knocked down by her several times, leaving him bruised and battered all over, covered in bruises.

During the sparring session with Suì-Fēng, Yamahiko's practical combat experience and fighting skills increased. What's more, he enjoyed the opportunity to train with Suì-Fēng and the occasional physical contact, which was something he had looked forward to.

"Let's call it a day," Suì-Fēng said.

She halted her movements and looked at Yamahiko, who had his share of bumps and bruises. She felt a sense of pity for him. In Suì-Fēng's eyes, Yamahiko had transitioned from a capable subordinate to a younger brother-like figure. She had trained him because she believed in his potential, and he had helped her master Shunko. Furthermore, he willingly endured her tough training, which left him bruised.

Suì-Fēng had developed a deep affection for Yamahiko, akin to how an older sister would feel toward a younger brother, allowing her to express her emotions more freely.

She gazed at Yamahiko, her eyes filled with a hint of playful reproach, and asked, "Does it hurt?"

Yamahiko smiled and replied, "Not really."

Immediately, Suì-Fēng reached out and pinched his arm. Though she didn't squeeze too hard, Yamahiko couldn't help but let out a painful yelp.

"Don't say it doesn't hurt. Come over here," Suì-Fēng commanded, her tone somewhat stern.

Yamahiko didn't know what Suì-Fēng had in mind but complied, sitting down as instructed. Suì-Fēng took a small round container out of her pocket and, when opened, released a pleasant medicinal fragrance.

Was this some kind of medicine? Yamahiko knew that in the Soul Society, besides the healing Kaidō, there were various medications, such as hemostatic agents.

Sui-Fēng extended her finger into the small container, where she collected some milky-white ointment. She applied it to Yamahiko's face.

The ointment was refreshingly cool and left a pleasant sensation on his face. However, Suì-Fēng's application was somewhat forceful, causing the ointment to press against a sore spot on his face, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from Yamahiko.

Instinctively, Yamahiko tried to dodge, but Suì-Fēng shot him a glare and said, "Don't move."

"Sorry," he replied.

Yamahiko leaned closer, and Suì-Fēng continued to apply the ointment, but her movements were much gentler now.

While applying the ointment, Suì-Fēng explained, "This is a medication for treating bruises and swelling. After applying it, the swelling should go down in about a day. It's slower than Kaidō but still quite effective when immediate treatment is needed."

Yamahiko dared not move, and as he watched Suì-Fēng at such a close range, he noticed that her skin was quite nice— and soft.

In the anime, Suì-Fēng's skin had a pale yellow hue. However, in the manga, whether it was in serialized illustrations or single-volume covers, her skin was entirely pale.

Yamahiko gazed at Suì-Fēng's cheeks. Suì-Fēng, however, felt very uncomfortable under Yamahiko's gaze, which was like that of a curious puppy. She didn't say anything but rather let him look.

As Suì-Fēng finished applying ointment to the injuries on the left side of Yamahiko's face and prepared to move to the ones on the right, she turned her head in the process. Their eyes locked with each other for a brief moment.

Time seemed to come to a standstill during that second, as if it stretched into an entire century. Yamahiko could even see his own face reflected in Suì-Fēng's eyes.

But this momentary stillness was soon disrupted.

Smack!

Suì-Fēng raised her hand and gave Yamahiko a light slap on the face. It wasn't strong, but the sound was quite crisp.

"Captain Suì-Fēng, why did you hit me?" Yamahiko looked at Suì-Fēng with a pitiful expression.

How could Suì-Fēng explain that he was giving her the creeps by staring at her so intently? So she pretended to be angry and asked, "Do I need a reason to hit you?"

Hearing this, Yamahiko turned his face away, which Suì-Fēng noticed. She asked, "What's wrong? Are you upset?"

Yamahiko shook his head and said, "No, I just thought you should hit this side of my face too. It wouldn't be fair otherwise."

Suì-Fēng was amused by Yamahiko's helpless demeanor and revealed a faint smile. Still, she maintained a stern expression as she said, "Nonsense. Turn your head back. I haven't finished applying the ointment yet."

Yamahiko obediently turned his head, allowing Suì-Fēng to continue tending to his injuries. In addition to his facial wounds, she also applied ointment to the injuries on his arm and chest.

Stand up," Suì-Fēng instructed Yamahiko. Yamahiko obediently stood upright. He was currently a little over 1.4 meters tall, just a bit shorter than Suì-Fēng, who stood at 1.5 meters.

To apply ointment to the wound on Yamahiko's chest, Suì-Fēng had to slightly tilt her head down and squat a bit. In this position, her profile was right in front of Yamahiko.

As Yamahiko looked at that fair face, he had an urge to kiss it, but he restrained his desires. Now was not the time. There would be plenty of time for that after they got married. Then, he could kiss wherever he pleased.

"Hahaha," he chuckled at his own thoughts, revealing that familiar silly smile.

"You're laughing again," Suì-Fēng scolded him, giving him an annoyed look. Yamahiko quickly suppressed his smile.

This time, Suì-Fēng didn't slap Yamahiko. She straightened up and asked, "Is there anywhere else that hurts?"

Yamahiko gazed at Suì-Fēng for a moment, hesitated, and then pointed to his own buttocks.

This gesture earned him a smack on the forehead from Suì-Fēng. She thought, "Did he think I didn't notice his hesitation? What does pointing at his butt mean? Does he want me to apply ointment there? This kid..."

Suì-Fēng knew that he had feelings for her and was showing them in their interactions. He even pretended to hide it quite well. While she didn't dislike his affection and found it easy to be around him, she had someone else in her heart. Even though that person had betrayed her, she couldn't just fall for someone else. Besides, he was too young, still a child, really. She might like him a bit.

Suì-Fēng handed the ointment to Yamahiko and said, "You take it. If you have any swollen or painful areas, apply it yourself."

Yamahiko took the ointment, then raised it and asked, "Captain Suì-Fēng, your arm has a small cut from the rubble. Should I apply it for you?"

Suì-Fēng had a tiny cut on her arm from being grazed by rubble.

Suì-Fēng waved her hand dismissively and said, "This ointment is for reducing swelling and pain, not for stopping bleeding."

Yamahiko immediately suggested, "Then, let me use Kaidō to heal it for you?"

Suì-Fēng was somewhat surprised and asked, "You know Kaidō?"

Yamahiko replied, "I can heal ordinary wounds and swellings using Kaidō principles, although it might be less potent."

Suì-Fēng thought for a moment and said, "In that case, go ahead and heal it."

With that, she extended her arm towards Yamahiko.

Yamahiko put the ointment away and placed his hand on Suì-Fēng's wound, releasing Kaidō. By adjusting the spirit particle(reishi) density, he began to repair the injury.

Four years ago, when Renji Abarai was attacked, Yamahiko could only use both hands to release Kaidō. However, now he was proficient enough to use just one hand and had even increased the speed of his healing slightly.

As she watched Yamahiko's actions, something didn't sit right with Suì-Fēng. She couldn't quite pinpoint what was wrong.

After Yamahiko finished healing her, he raised his head and said, "Captain Suì-Fēng, it's done."

Seeing Yamahiko's smug look, Suì-Fēng suddenly realized what was off and smacked him on the head.

"Captain Suì-Fēng, why did you hit me again?" Yamahiko protested. It was the third time today.

"Are you even asking me that?" Suì-Fēng replied in annoyance. "Since you know Kaidō, why did you need me to apply ointment for you?"

Hearing this, Yamahiko looked at Suì-Fēng, grinning, and said, "I Forgot?"

Suì-Fēng gave him another smack on the head and scolded, "How can you forget about that?"

"Sorry," Yamahiko quickly apologized, a mischievous smile on his face.

Suì-Fēng gazed at Yamahiko, seeing that mischievous look in his youthful eyes, with anticipation and admiration etched on his face. This was a look she knew well, one she'd seen in her own reflection countless times.

But considering the outcome of such emotions, Suì-Fēng's mood was instantly overshadowed. She suppressed all her genuine feelings deep within her heart.

"Alright, it's getting late. Let's go," she said, leaving Yamahiko alone to ponder their recent interaction.

~End of the chapter~

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